Waters breaking early (PPROM)

Share

Your unborn baby lies in an amniotic sac of fluid or ‘waters’. ‘Waters breaking’ means that the sac has ruptured or broken. Your waters normally break around the time labour is due but in around 2% of pregnancies they break early for various reasons (see below).

If your waters break before your baby has reached full term (37 weeks), the medical name for it is preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes, or PPROM. If this happens early, before the contractions start, it can (but does not always) trigger early labour.

Have my waters broken early (PPROM)?

If your waters have broken early, you will experience it as a trickle or a gush of water from your vagina. It is likely to continue leaking once it has started If it isn't too heavy you can use a sanitary towel to catch it. This will also allow you to see what colour it is, which will be helpful information for health professionals. It may be pinkish if it contains some blood, or it may be clear. If it greenish or brown go to the maternity unit as soon as possible.If it is heavy, you may need to use a towel.

Phone your maternity unit immediately for advice.

What are the risks if my waters break early (PPROM)?

If your waters break early the risks and treatment are dependent on the stage of pregnancy you are at.

You are at risk of going into labour prematurely – the health risks for the baby of early birth are greater the younger they are.

If you do not go into labour, you and the baby are at risk of infection.

The doctors have to balance these two considerations. If the waters have broken because of infection, you and the baby have a high risk of getting the infection and you may need to deliver sooner to prevent this.

If the waters have broken but there is no infection currently present, you and the baby are still at risk but the immediate risk is lesser and your treatment will depend on your stage of pregnancy.

If you are under 24 weeks of pregnancy and the baby is born, sadly, it is unlikely the baby will survive.

If you are over 30 weeks and the baby is born, the likelihood of your baby surviving is much higher - over 95%

What will happen if my waters break early (PPROM)?

You are likely to have an internal examination. This will allow the doctor to look at your cervix and check:

if the leaking fluid is amniotic fluid

if it is changing in preparation for labour

to check for infection by taking a swab.

You might have an ultrasound scan to estimate the amount of fluid left around your baby.

If only a very small amount of amniotic fluid leaks, it is not always easy to be sure whether your waters have broken.

You may be advised to wear a pad and stay in hospital for a few hours to monitor the situation.

If you go home but continue to leak fluid at home, you should return to the hospital again.

If your waters are shown to have broken, you will be advised to come into hospital for at least 48 hours. You and your unborn baby will be closely monitored for signs of infection. This will include having your temperature and pulse taken regularly, and your baby’s heart rate will also be monitored.

Going home from hospital with PPROM

If there is no infection present you may be able to go home. You will be at risk from infection however, and you will need to self-monitor by

checking that your temperature is normal (37 °C or less) every 4–8 hours

checking the colour of the fluid does not change by wearing a pad.

You should avoid having sexual intercourse.

Contact your doctor or midwife and return to the hospital immediately if you have:

Inducing labour or premature labour with PPROM

If you are past 34 weeks the doctor will weigh up the benefits of inducing labour before the due date to avoid the risk of infection with the disadvantages of being born premature, and may make a recommendation for early delivery.

You may need to stay in a hospital that has a neonatal unit and be monitored carefully for any sign of infection. You may also be treated with antibiotics, corticosteroids and magnesium sulphate (if you are less than 30 weeks) to help prepare your baby in case the are born prematurely.

Over 80% of women who have PPROM deliver their baby within seven days of their waters breaking.

What if there are no waters left in my womb?

Your baby’s amniotic sac has to have the right amount of amniotic fluid for the pregnancy to continue normally. If there is a break in the waters your baby will continue to produce amniotic fluid.

Before 23 weeks, the baby needs ‘waters’ to be present for their lungs to develop normally. Loss of water before this can lead to severe problems with lung development that can be critical after birth. After 23 weeks your baby does not need the amniotic fluid so much, so low levels of fluid may not be a problem in itself, but if the low levels are due to your waters breaking then there is a risk of infection.

Causes of waters breaking early (PPROM)

Intrauterine infection is present in around a third of women with PPROM. In many cases however it happens without any infection being present. The reason for these cases is unclear, however it has been linked to heavy smoking (more than 10 cigarettes a day) in pregnancy

Share

Comments

By Jenny (not verified) on 29 Jun 2018 - 01:30

I recently miscarried my 20 week old baby boy due to early rapture of my water bag. It was heartbreaking. I was due for my monthly check up in a week and I didn't know that I had an infection which caused me to have very high WBC (16,000) compared to normal of 4,500-10,000 WBC. I was in labor for 56 hours, only to give birth to my dead baby. I pray to God that no mother should experience what I've been thru.

By Midwife @Tommys on 29 Jun 2018 - 11:54

Hi Jenny,
I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of your little boy and what you have been through.
If we can support you then please do be in touch via email on [email protected] or call 0800 0147 800, we are here Monday to Friday 9-5pm.
Take care,
Tommy's midwife

By V (not verified) on 28 Jun 2018 - 02:48

I have a question in regards to PROMM. Water ruptured and lost part of the plug on Monday at 3 am. Dr. says it can take from 1 to 7 days to go into labor. What are the chances the pregnancy can go into 24 weeks since bedrest at hospital was mandatory. However, no antibiotics have been given. Baby still has fluid and regural heartbeat. Thanks.

By Midwife @Tommys on 29 Jun 2018 - 10:08

Hi,
I am so sorry to hear that you are experiencing such a difficult time in this pregnancy. I am afraid it is not possible to able to know what is going to happen, there is a chance that the pregnancy will continue beyond 24 weeks however this is uncertain and it is important to try the take the next few weeks each day as it comes. It is great that there is still some fluid around the baby and your a being monitored closely.
It would be routine to have a course of antibiotics if your waters break early and they should be taking bloods from you to check for markers of infection. Do have a talk with your doctor about this.
If we can support you further then please do email us [email protected]
Best wishes
Tommy's midwife

By Anonymous (not verified) on 19 Jun 2018 - 17:03

I had an amniocentesis at 15wks 2days, 5 hours later most of the fluid leaked. The hospital staff have been largely pessimistic and have spoken to us about termination on more than one occasion. The amniocentesis was clear and all scans have shown a healthy, active baby; however, I am still leaking fluid and will be seen again on Friday when I will be 19wks 6days. If the fluid is still low I know they will once again speak about termination. We have decided that if the baby's lungs can't mature and that he or she will be very poorly we will terminate. I am petrified and wonder what you think our chances are of the baby being ok and whether I can continue to leak but still have enough fluid around baby?

By Midwife @Tommys on 22 Jun 2018 - 13:12

By Elise (not verified) on 17 Jun 2018 - 22:55

Hi. I am currently 30 weeks pregnant and for the past couple of months ive been experiencing what i thought was leaking urine. But it happens atleast 3 or more times a day. Even when i dont need to go to the toilet. Sometimes i feel it as soon as i stand up or cough too hard. There is no urination sensation. If it is urine should it feel like im actually weeing? Because this just feels like ive got my period. There is no controling it, it just happens. I just urinated about an hour or more ago and about 10-20 minutes after i laid back down in bed i felt a tiny gush like feeling and i checked to see if my underwear were wet and they were. The fuild is clear and does not smell like urine. It is a small amount and it doesnt seem to be continuously flowing but this is happening everyday atleast 3 or more times a day. Is that considered continuous?. There is no blood or pink tinge. My baby is still moving and im not in pain but for the past week ive been getting period like cramping every now and then. Please help

By Midwife @Tommys on 18 Jun 2018 - 14:28

Hi Elise,
I think it may be sensible to ask your midwife to examine you or go to the day assessment unit at your hospital. I can't rule out ruptured membranes but it is quite normal for there to be increased vaginal discharge in pregnancy and this is usually clear or milky fluid with similar symptoms to yourself. I would also suggest that you commence pelvic floor exercises as many women have a bit of leakage from their bladder due to hormones weakening the pelvic floor muscles. We have advice about this here: https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/exercise-pregnancy/pelvic-floor-exercises
I hope this helps. Take care

By Pam Smith (not verified) on 15 Jun 2018 - 00:58

Hi my name is Pam 3 days ago my water broke and i went to the hospital. They talked to me about all the risks of staying pregnant but i couldn't give up. My baby has a strong heart beat and moves all the time. They kept me at the hospital and sent me home with oral antibiotocs. I pray to God that i don't go into labor and my baby makes it. Any advice you can give me will help. I am scared but hopeful everything with be okay.

By Midwife @Tommys on 18 Jun 2018 - 14:19

Hi Pam, Sorry to hear about this. I am sure you are very worried. I certainly know that babies can survive this if you don't go into labour. I am sure that you have been advised to take your temperature regularly. This helps you to know if you are developing an infection. Other symptoms may be an unusual or 'smelly' vaginal discharge. You will continue to leak fluid as the baby's kidneys will continue to function to produce the amniotic fluid, therefore you'll need to wear a pad continuously. Other than this please take good care of yourself and avoid sexual intercourse. We wish you well. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you feel you need to. Best wishes

By Cassie (not verified) on 28 Jul 2018 - 12:15

By Kathleen (not verified) on 13 Jun 2018 - 13:24

Hi im 18 weeks pregnant I have 4 kids first one early at 35 weeks waters broke at 34 weeks and 2 full term then I had twins at 29 weeks but I’m really scared in case my waters has broken 4 days ago I was cleaning the kitchen then started to feel very wet were my legs wAs wet to so I went to the bathroom to see and all I could see was like watery discharge but then I started to get really bad lower cramping like Pressure pains lower sound and the same is happening to me to day don’t no wt to do help pls xx

By Midwife @Tommys on 13 Jun 2018 - 14:33

Hi Kathleen, you really need to go to the hospital urgently today if you think that your waters have broken so that they can confirm if this is the case. Please take yourself in NOW with your pregnancy notes. You will need to be seen on the labour ward triage by a midwife and obstetric doctor.
All the best
Sophie Tommy's Midwife

By Laura (not verified) on 10 Jun 2018 - 05:17

I am in hospital as my waters on my lower twin broke yesterday at 34 weeks 3 days. What are my chances of keeping my babies in there for a few days so we hit 35 weeks? I have no other signs of labour and have been given my first steroid injection and antibiotics. My last scan was 21st May and both babies weighted 4 lbs then - a few weeks on, are they likely to be ok weights now?

By Midwife @Tommys on 11 Jun 2018 - 15:06

Hi Laura, In the UK, most babies born at this stage will do very well. The average gestation for twins is 35 weeks. You will have another dose of the steroid injection after 24 hours and there is no reason not to be optimistic. If you are in hospital now, have a chat to your midwife about your concerns and don't be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. We wish you all the best. Take care Tommy's midwives x

By Erin (not verified) on 2 Jun 2018 - 16:19

Hi, I ruptured at 16 weeks, got the antibiotics and admitted at 23. Currently hospital bedrest at 28 weeks. I have had unmeasurable pockets of fluid and leak continuously. What are my chances of having a survivor?

By Midwife @Tommys on 4 Jun 2018 - 15:16

Hi Erin, You have been through such a lot in this pregnancy. At 28 weeks your chances are now good. I am sure you are being well looked after and bed rest seems very sensible. Hang in there, the further you get the better it is for the baby. Take good care of yourself.

By Sara (not verified) on 27 May 2018 - 19:42

After a week of increased discharge and abdominal cramps/contraction, i contacted my OB. I also had very light spotting, few drops of blood and very tiny clots the night before. My ob did a speculum exam and quick US and reassured me that everything looked good, baby is fine. That same night, my water ruptured after i was woken up from sleep with a sharp lower mid abdominal pain. I miscarried the next day and had D&C. They ruled out chromosomal issues with the baby, incompetent cervix, UTI, bacterial vaginosis or any infection, no abnormalities noted on the placenta pathology other than the acute chorioamnionitis. I don't have any medical issue or known risk factors, so i really don't know what caused my amniotic sac to become so weak.
I am terrified of the possibility of this happening again. I want to know if i need a consultation with a MFM specialist before I get pregnant again or once am pregnant. Is there any additional tests, vitamins you recommend.
Is the progesterone shot indicated for cases of unexplained PPROM in second trimester?
thank you.

By Midwife @Tommys on 29 May 2018 - 14:49

Hi Sara
It would be best for you to make a follow up appointment with your OBGYN to discuss the above questions there, as they will have full access to your medical and obstetric history. In the U.K, we recommend women are seen by their obstetric doctors after a late pregnancy loss to go through their personal risk factors and make a plan of care for how best to safeguard a future pregnancy - this should be transferable over to you in the U.S in principle. I really do hope that you get a happy ending soon. In the meantime, please take good care of yourself!
All the best
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife

By maggie (not verified) on 23 May 2018 - 20:01

I was pregnant with twin boys and my waters broke I went in to Labour at 26 weeks nothing was stopping my boys from coming.they weighed 1 pound 8. Each and with alot of ups and downs and 12 weeks in nicu they are now happy little boys.the nurse's and doctors that work in nicu don't get enough credit they do an amazing job.

By Hayley (not verified) on 30 Apr 2018 - 07:55

Hi, I’m really concerned and wondered if there is any connection with what’s happening now and my last pregnancy when I had pprom? I’m 34 My story... 2008 1st pregnancy - miscarriage at 6/7 weeks no d and c needed. 2009 2nd pregnancy- full term healthy child delivery Caesarian section due to being breech. 2011 3rd pregnancy full term healthy child vbac, hemoraged but did not need transfusion. 2016 4th pregnancy pprom at 28 weeks ( no reason no infections ) I managed to hold on till 33 weeks on bed rest and delivered (thank god) 4.9 lb healthy baby. 2018 January, 5/6weeks miscarriage no reason . And just suffered another miscarriage after seeing heartbeat on Thursday but was having spotting and no heartbeat in scan on Saturday. Sorry for the long message but me and my husband are so scared of trying again, are there any connections between previous pprom after normal pregnancies and then having 2 miscarriage after.

By Midwife @Tommys on 1 May 2018 - 14:02

Dear Hayley,
I am so very sorry to hear about your miscarriage this weekend and the miscarriage in January.
There isn't any link between PPROM and miscarriage in the first trimester that I am aware of but understandably it leaves you and your husband terrified about trying again. If you'd like to talk this through please email [email protected] or call weekdays 9-5 pm to speak to a midwife on 0800 0147 800.
Thinking of you and your family at this sad time
Anna-Tommy's Midwife

By Mercy (not verified) on 22 Apr 2018 - 17:24

By Midwife @Tommys on 23 Apr 2018 - 15:35

Hi Mercy, We hope you have found this page helpful and that you have been able to talk to your doctors. It is difficult to give any certainties about your baby but hope that you are being well cared for. Best wishes Tommy's midwives

By Kim (not verified) on 11 Mar 2018 - 21:33

I had a perfect pregnancy up to 24 weeks, no sickness, a little tiredness but put it down to working hard in my job and growing a baby. I was eating healthy, exercise, taking vitamins, and plenty of rest.
At 24 weeks I started having severe pains and shakes. I thought were growth spurts or movements. No matter which way I lay or sat I was in pain. I decided to go GP in the morning. I was told i possibly was coming down with flu and baby was moving around. I had a scan which detected high amniotic fluid but baby had a healthy heartbeat and was ok. I was sent home for bed rest. Within 5 hours the pains became severe and breathing was intense and after urinating a little brown as i wiped. I called a neighbour because I lived alone. They rushed me into the car within 5 minutes my waters broke. The baby had pushed himself out, the pain had completely gone. We arrived at the hospital the medical staff were concentrating on me and left the baby unattended. He still had a heartbeat but for sure he was struggling to breathe. After a while moved him and gave him oxygen and told me he was in an incubator.
I was waiting to be transferred to another hospital with better neonatal facilities to be told my baby had died.
I'm angry that the GP didn't detect there was a problem in the morning and sent me home with panado for pain. Also that when we arrived at the hospital they left the baby unaided for so long.
My baby is now buried.This all happened abroad and I keep thinking my baby might have survived if I was in the UK with family.

This was nearly 2 weeks ago. Im flying home to grieve with my family this week. It has been a nightmare experience i keep thinking i will wake up and he will still be growing inside me.
What is wrong with me? Why did the baby decide to come early?
Should I be worried about my health? Since then I've been having headaches, dizziness, some pain urinating,occasional diarroeia. Loss of appetite. Do i need to get examined when i arrive in UK?

By Midwife @Tommys on 12 Mar 2018 - 14:39

Dear Kim,
I am so so sorry about what you have been through. I do hope that you are being well supported by your family and friends and that you will take time to grieve and think about your baby son before you consider going back to work.
It would be a good idea to see a GP when you get home (Are you living abroad?) to check your blood pressure and possibly to take some blood tests but these symptoms are unsurprising and may go gradually as you recover. We don't always know why a baby is born so early, but if you do go on to have another pregnancy your obstetrician will discuss the options available to reduce your risk. This link discusses the options. https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-complications/prem-birth/treatment/cervical-incompetence
You would be welcome to call us if you want to chat. We are here Monday to Friday 9-5pm to listen to your concerns and offer support. Take care of yourself, Best wishes, Tommy's midwives.

By Tracie (not verified) on 4 Mar 2018 - 10:14

My waters broke at 24 weeks. I’m now 27+4 I’ve had steroids an sulphate magnesium. I got to feral medicine every two days for temp an growth checks. Baby’s now 21b today I’ve woke with a water infection burns when I pee. No change in colour of fluid loss no infection no temp can feel baby move just a wager jnfection whatbshiukd I do?

By Midwife @Tommys on 5 Mar 2018 - 13:47

Hi Tracie,
I am sorry to hear that you are having such a difficult pregnancy at the moment. It is great to hear that you are being monitoring so closely. If you feel that you may have a urine infection then it is important that you see someone to be reviewed and have treatment if necessary. I would advise for you to call your GP or maternity unit to have your urine tested and a care plan in place for you. Best wishes, Tommy's midwives.

By Kim (not verified) on 28 Feb 2018 - 01:59

I am 16 weeks and 6 days and was wondering how can you tell the difference between broken waters and an increase in discharge? I went to the doctor today because I was feeling an increase in “discharge” and I tested positive for a bacterial infection. I’m worried though that my water already broke.
Also, if it hasn’t, what are the odds that it will becaus of the bacterial infection?

By Midwife @Tommys on 28 Feb 2018 - 11:24

Hi Kim
The best thing for you to do is go to your triage/day assessment unit in the hospital for an obstetric review asap. Some hospitals will perform a speculum examination and take a swab, others may have access to an expensive test that confirms if waters have broken or not by taking a sample from the vagina with a special test strip/paper and processing it in the machine to detect the presence of amniotic fluid or not. This is not available at every hospital though.
You can also be treated for your infection if you need antibiotics are have not yet been given any. Please get yourself seen today!
All the best!
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife

By monique (not verified) on 27 Feb 2018 - 08:50

Hi,
Currently on bed rest after cerclage placed at 22 wks after thankfully finding out I had bulging membranes. Sadly only lasted 2 weeks before water broke . Went thru steroids/antibiotics . My uterus is quiet at All checkups but I'm so worried after my fluid being checked has been decreasing from 7.6 to 5.5 and currently at 3.2 at 26 weeks, though his heart rate is strong and i feel him move.I'm terrified now how will this effect baby's development? and how long can baby stay inside without developmental issues

By Midwife @Tommys on 28 Feb 2018 - 10:27

Hi Monique
I am so sorry to hear that you have been having such a difficult time. You say you are on bed rest, i presume in the hospital?
The best people to ask these questions to, is the midwife and obstetric consultant doctor caring for you as they have full information regarding your personal medical and obstetric history. Each and every case similar to yours, is so based on an individual basis. There are no "one size fits all" outcome in this. So please do ask these questions to your own medical team for the full, medical pictures and possible predictions for you and your little one.
I really do wish you all the best and please do feel free to call or email us again if we can be of further support to you at this difficult time. Sending my thoughts and love
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife

By Vikki (not verified) on 22 Feb 2018 - 16:45

Hi i suffered a pprom at 16+3 weeks and gave birth to my little boy at 31+3 weeks, luckyly he survived but he is unfortunately disabled from this. I have been told that the reason for my pprom could have been due to dehydration. Is it possible that dehydration can cause pprom?

By Midwife @Tommys on 23 Feb 2018 - 11:38

Hi Vikki,
I am so sorry to hear that you have been through such a difficult time with the pregnancy with your son. Dehydration in itself is not a known cause of pprom, it maybe worth going back to the person that suggested this to see if they can explain this further to you and the reasoning behind their suggestion? Tommy's midwives x

By Janelle (not verified) on 20 Feb 2018 - 21:44

By Midwife @Tommys on 21 Feb 2018 - 10:48

Hi Janelle
Your midwife and Doctor should both be regularly seeing you in this pregnancy after your experience in your last pregnancy. Both to keep a close eye on you and for support. I expect that you would also have a couple more scans to monitor your cervix as well as fetal growth. It might be good for you to talk it through in more detail on the phone as i can then have more of an understanding about your history and current condition, so please feel free to call us on 0800 0147800.
Look forward to hearing from you
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife

By Mellisa (not verified) on 3 Feb 2018 - 05:01

Hi

My water broke one night at 17.5 weeks and managed to stay pregnant for 22.5 weeks before we delivered and loss our beautiful girl. I was given no reason for my rupture but know that an infection was present in the end. I read about BV being one of the biggest culprit and I’ve been looking over my records and found out that I was never checked for this. Could this have been my problem? I also had a cervical length of 2.9cm is this normal and was I suppose to be in bed rest with that measurement?

By Midwife @Tommys on 5 Feb 2018 - 15:03

So sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful daughter. I understand your desire to find answers and I sympathise. Sometimes we never find those answers and it can be very hard. Infection is one of the most common reasons for rupture of membranes. It is not easy to spot the early signs of infection as often there are no symptoms but I assume that you were given antibiotics when you went to hospital at 17 weeks.
Cervical length of 2.9cm is below average but not so short as to require bed rest. You should discuss with your consultant the advantages and disadvantages of a cervical stitch in your next pregnancy. I can't advise that this treatment would be appropriate as I haven't read your notes but your doctors are there for your support. If you would like to talk you are welcome to call us on 0800 0147 800. Take care x

By Katherine (not verified) on 29 Jan 2018 - 17:46

Hey everyone. Hope all is well. I'm writing to share my current situation right now. So in 2015 April to be exact I lose my first child at 20 weeks. My water broke during sex (tmi) and I didn't know it was my water. Two days later I was rushed to the er and was told I had to deliver and she was not going to make it. We held her until she passed. Which was about 5 hours. This experience shook me to the core and although we tried again (for about a yr) I didn't get pregnant again. Well it's now 1/29/18 and I'm 16 weeks and 3 days. Even though I've known since i was 6 weeks I've had massive blood clot passings, extreme sickness, I just had the cervical cerclage placed in last week and I went though complications due to my cervix being already open AGAIN...I had a spinal fluid leak causing a spinal headache (No one told me could happen) and I'm stressed out bc I couldn't work and we all know without work there is no money. The point of me spilling almost everything that has happen in the last 4 months is bc with all this going on. I'm still extremely timid about starting a registry or buying things for my nugget bc im still scared that something will happen and i wont have this child. I dont feel any connection with this one....at all bc all of this...im scared that I will never feel close to this little blessing. I don't know what to do...has anyone out there experienced something like this??

By Midwife @Tommys on 31 Jan 2018 - 09:33

Hi Katherine.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I am ever so sorry to hear about all that you have gone through over the course of the last few years! That must have been very difficult for you and your partner. I do hope that you are well supported in this by your partner, Dr and Midwife over there in the U.S. We are a U.K based charity here at Tommy's, but please do feel free to call us on 0800 0147800 if you feel that a friendly chat would be useful to you. Wishing you all the best at this time.
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife

By Sarah (not verified) on 2 Jun 2018 - 06:59

By Anonymous (not verified) on 21 Dec 2017 - 04:51

My water broke last Thursday and I went to labor and delivery once I started having contractions. I was given something to stop contractions and put on antibiotics. I had not dilated any but all fluid was gone. Stayed in hospital for 48 hours. Released on two oral antibiotics. Told to monitor temperature. Still leaking, but not discolored or foul smelling. It has now been a week since water breaking, can still feel baby moving. I return to doctor in a week and will be 22 weeks. What is the chance of survival? I really don't want steroids.

By Midwife @Tommys on 2 Jan 2018 - 14:04

Hi, thanks for posting. We have been closed over Christmas so it has been 12 days since your water broke. How are you now? It is really difficult to answer your question as situations change. If the baby has some fluid around him/her, your cervix remains closed and the antibiotics prevent infection it gives the baby time to grow. I know you do not want steroids but if your baby is born prematurely they will help to accelerate lung development to give your baby a much better chance of survival.
Thinking of you
Tommy's Midwives

By Ntsiki (not verified) on 29 Jan 2018 - 05:32

By Midwife @Tommys on 31 Jan 2018 - 09:38

Hi there Ntsiki
I am ever so sorry to hear that you lost your little one. Please do feel free to call us on 0800 0147800 if you wish to talk anything through.
Thinking of you at this difficult time
Sophie,Tommy's Midwife

By Anonymous (not verified) on 4 Dec 2017 - 04:34

Yesterday as I was busy with my house chores I felt something hot coming outa my vagina,I ran to the shower to check and I saw a thick yellowish mucus kindalike and after I wiped it the water started gushing out,it became more and more,I went straight to the hospital and was given stetoids and antibiotics.So My Question is....."what are the chances of my baby's survival and how possible would it be for him to be healthy,What are the overall complications due to this?Please help I'm so worried.

By Midwife @Tommys on 4 Dec 2017 - 15:00

Hello. You have done exactly the right thing in going straight to the hospital. Without all the information I can't give you a true prognosis but I can tell you that many babies born this early have a good chance of survival. Next time you go to hospital I would suggest that you take a friend with you to help you with all your questions and to discuss it with you afterwards. Many people forget to ask key questions when they are in your position. The doctors and midwives will be happy to answer you and even to take you to see the Neonatal unit if you would like to. Best wishes and please feel that you can contact us if you need to.

By Anonymous (not verified) on 17 Dec 2017 - 07:24

I had the same thing happened to me, i was 26 weeks when my waters broke, & they kept me in hospital on bed rest, i didnt walk around much at all, was pushed in a wheelchair if i had to go somewhere, anyway i ended up giving birth at 32 weeks 3 days, he was tiny, 1.9kg but big for his age, he stayed in NICU and special care for 4 weeks, & he is now a happy and healthy 10kg 8 month old :)